new swimmer

Question
QUESTION: Hye......i have just start swimming. its been my 10th day. No coach is available in pool.i do swim but i dont know which style. can say free style. i wana ask you about style recommeded for new swimmer. I cant hold breath for long and gets tired. if possible any web site having pics for help. Thanks

ANSWER: Hassan,
My best recommendation is to go to the local Red Cross.  They have amazing literature on learning to swim.  Their website sometimes has the same information to download.

As a new swimmer I would concentrate on your comfort in the water.  Don't worry so much about your strokes until you are comfortable with holding your breath under water and staying afloat for at least 5 minutes in the deep end without help.

After that, I would utilize the Red Cross for learning to swim.  The YMCA also has great swim programs for ALL ages.

I don't generally recommend websites for this because it's very difficult to get the full instruction via the web.

I hope that this does help.
Eric

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: hye Eric

Thanks for ur response. I am in a remote are and the nearest city is 100 Km away so cant act upon ur suggestions.

About breathing, i try my best to hold it but i can do it only for 10-15 secons.Is there any exercise to increase breath holding time and improve stamina.  

Answer
Hassan,
The best way to improve stamina, in breath control or anything else, is be practicing.  Breath control is different when you are exerting yourself through physical exercise as opposed to just trying to hold your breath.  Your body requires more oxygen enriched blood to pump through your veins when you are exerting yourself.  Because of this, it's best to improve your stamina while swimming or exerting energy.

I would suggest that you try some breath control swimming drills.  The best drill for this is to breath on a regular interval.  I suggest every 3, 5, 7, and/or 9 strokes.  The idea is that you start the first lap breathing every three strokes.  The next you breath every 5...then 7...then 9.  Try to keep the same swimming pace the entire time.  You should notice it to be very difficult when breathing every 9.  If this is to much adjust the number to fit your current level.

I would say that is the standard breathing drill for swimming.  Most people would swim freestyle (forward crawl) while doing this.

Try this out and see if you eventually start getting better at it.  This will take time, but if you stick with it for 2 weeks or a month, you will see a difference.

Let me know how it works.
Eric